How to Interview Deaf People
Interviewing someone for a job can turn stressful in a hurry, especially if you cannot effectively communicate the other person. Interviewing a deaf person doesn't mean that you can't communicate with them, it just means that you have to use alternate communication methods, such as talking slowly so the interviewee can read your lips, or with the help of an interpreter. You must ensure that the deaf person understands your questions so that he can answer them to the best of his ability.
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Instructions
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Interviewing a Deaf Person Who Prefers to Lip Read
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Set up the room to ensure good lighting, so that you and the deaf person can both clearly see one another. It's difficult to read someone's lips without decent lighting.
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Speak clearly and slow. Deaf people who prefer to lip read are usually well-adjusted at the craft, but that doesn't mean you can talk at the speed you normally do. Slow down your speech, and ensure that words come out clearly so that the person can understand what you're saying.
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Use simple words and avoid phrases with multiple meanings. It's easier for the deaf person to read your lips if you use simple words, and phrases that have a direct meaning.
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Keep your hands on away from your face. The deaf interviewee cannot understand you if your hands are constantly waving in front of your mouth; keep them at your side or on the desk.
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Provide a pencil and paper if necessary. Just because a deaf person doesn't have an interpreter doesn't mean that she will speak. A deaf person's ability to speak and how much she speaks will depend on her education and comfort level. A pencil and paper may be necessary to effectively communicate and receive answers to your questions. You can use a pencil and paper too, to ask more involved and complicated questions.
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Maintain eye contact. It lets you know whether or not the deaf person understands what you're saying. If at any time the deaf person indicates that he understands what you said, such as shaking his head, repeat the question.
Interviewing a Deaf Person Who Uses an Interpreter
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Look at the deaf person and address him directly. For example, always say "It's good to see you, Bill," rather than "Can you tell Bill I said it's good to see him." Addressing the deaf person directly creates a one-on-one relationship with him.
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Speak normally. You generally won't have to alter your speaking speed for an interpreter; the interpreter will usually be able to keep up. Tell the interpreter before you start the interview to ask you to slow down if necessary.
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Allow for the interpreter to finish translating before you reference any material, such as posters or a computer screen. The deaf person can't keep one eye on the interpreter and one eye on the material you're showing her.
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Ask the deaf person to demonstrate his skills by using the computer, operating equipment or anything related to the job.
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Tips & Warnings
Introduce yourself first if the deaf person does not take the initiative.
References
- Photo Credit O.K. in both American Sign Language and letters image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
